You have probably heard about cartilage, the tissue that covers the ends of your bones where they rub together. This tissue helps cushion your knee and absorb the shock of your movements, and it is essential to maintain bone integrity in the articulations.

With OA, the cartilage in your knee wears away, causing the bones to rub together. This can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in your knee. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, and knee osteoarthritis is by far the most common location of this ailment. That’s why we’re devoting this article to describing the causes, signs and symptoms, treatment, and other aspects patients need to know about this disease.

What is Knee Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease or “wear-and-tear” arthritis, is a type of joint disorder that affects the cartilage and joint space within the joint. It is a chronic condition characterized by the breakdown of the joint’s cartilage that lines and cushions the ends of the bones.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disorder that affects the knee joint. It is the most common location of osteoarthritis. It is also among the most common causes of knee pain and disability in adults. It is pervasive in the elderly population.

The mechanism of knee OA is complex and multifactorial. It is believed to be related to age, genetics, obesity, trauma, and biomechanical factors such as joint malalignment, instability, and excessive load.

Causes of Knee Osteoarthritis

1) Trauma and post-traumatic damage

Trauma may refer to a single event or can be cumulative, such as overuse injuries. Post-traumatic damage can result from a single traumatic event, a repetitive motion, or an imbalance of forces. For example, it can be after a car crash or a sports injury such as an ACL tear.

The underlying mechanism of knee osteoarthritis is the degradation of the articular cartilage, which is the protective layer of tissue lining the joint surface. After trauma, the cartilage may break down, or a part of it becomes unstable, resulting in increased friction and pain that increases with time.